Derrick nudged my leg under the table, pulling me out of my thoughts. “You still owe me a practice. What about this afternoon? I know you don’t have anything going on.”

My automatic response was to say no, but he was right. I didn’t have a good reason. Twice, Derrick had asked me to come watch him play, and both times, I’d made an excuse. He accepted my denial, but he didn’t give up.

I stalled by taking a big bite of my salad. It was easy to pretend he was just another busy college student when we were alone, even while spending time with the guys and Eva, but going to his practice brought his status as a football god front and center. I wasn’t ignoring it exactly, I just didn’t like thinking about it.

I’d mostly exorcised the pesky voice that insisted Derrick was using me for something, but I wasn’t stupid. Hearing them talk, he was destined for the NFL. Pro quarterbacks did not date psych majors with abandonment issues.

But what harm could come from going to one practice? Plus, it would make Mac happy, and I wasn’t sure I could take any more of his puppy dog eyes.

I swallowed and smiled up at Derrick. “Sure. I can make today.”

Mac did a goofy touchdown dance and mimed spiking his apple before taking a big bite. He high-fived Noah and Parker, but Soren crossed his arms with that ever-present smirk. Eva shook her head, laughing at their antics.

Happiness spread through me at the thought that these guys genuinely wanted me there. Well, maybe not Soren. I still couldn’t read him, but that didn’t detract from the moment.

As nice as it was to feel like I belonged, Derrick’s slow grin made me feel something else entirely. A quiet burn that filled my chest with warmth. He wanted me there. Just like he’d welcomed me into every other part of his life.

For him, I’d take the chance. Maybe this quarterback could prove my theory wrong.

* * *

Derrick walked me to the spectator area, then left me with a brush of his lips against my cheek to go suit up. I resisted the urge to yank him forward for a real kiss, but it was getting harder and harder. He didn’t know he was playing with fire.

The Texas heat in October was no joke, so I sat six rows up in the shady part of the stadium. By the time the team started trickling out of the locker room, I’d sweated through my bra and started to regret my decision. I didn’t know much about the game, and the idea of watching a bunch of guys push each other around wasn’t exactly thrilling.